Now that virus cases are down across the country, many workplaces are finally reopening after more than two years. According to a recent study by Microsoft, 50% of business leaders say their company is already mandating or will mandate that employees return to the office full-time (five days a week) this year.

But there are mixed feelings among employees. Market research company Morning Consult reported last month that more than a quarter of Americans returning to the office soon are uncomfortable at the prospect. More than eight in 10 say they enjoy working remotely, and 73% say they’re more productive at home.

As much as company leaders want to bring back in-person interaction in the office, employees have gotten used to the flexibility of remote work. But now, policies are changing again and the transition back may be stressful. Here are tips to ease back in.

1. Re-establish your morning routine.

While it’s been nice to roll out of bed and grab coffee just ahead of that morning Zoom call, employees are headed back out on the road (cue up the podcasts and audiobooks). Recall the extra time you’ll need for working out, prepping lunches, ironing or steaming clothes, feeding kids and walking dogs before you have to leave. In fact, it might be a good idea to practice the new earlier-hour routine before your official return date so you can make adjustments and alleviate any shock to your system.

2. Request changes to your setup.

List the things that you didn’t like about the office when you were there. Maybe it was the location of your cubicle or those unexpected drop-ins from colleagues. Ask if your desk can be moved, and be assertive about boundaries; if it’s not a good time for office chitchat, suggest to the co-worker they schedule time with you when you can be a more attentive listener, perhaps at lunch. If you’d like to maintain more one-on-ones with your supervisor that were established over COVID, work with them to incorporate those into your schedules.

3. Be compassionate with yourself and others.

Whether it’s one day a week or five, recognize that the return to the office will be a time of transition, just as it was to begin working from home in 2020. Be patient with the people who will be stopping by your cubicle or office to say hi, perhaps for the first time in more than two years, though keep those boundaries in place so you can still get your work done. And extend grace to yourself as you transition back into a social environment.

26%
of American workers are uncomfortable about returning to the office.

(Morning Consult)

4. Speak to trustworthy co-workers.

You’re not alone when it comes to stress and anxiety about returning to the office. Before the first day, have conversations with trusted colleagues about how you’re feeling and share best practices for dealing with the transition. You’ll feel less alone with your sentiments, and you’ll be able to help each other weather the change in a constructive way. Then make plans to catch up over coffee or lunch once you’re back in the office.

5. Express concerns to your supervisor.

If you have lingering health and safety concerns, or you’re not sure how a specific setup is going to look, ask for clarification from your boss. He or she can either answer the question directly or find someone who can. Speculating about setups and expectations only increases your anxiety amid the uncertainty. Asking questions early shows your boss that you’ve given the transition thought and that you’re willing to work with them – remember, your supervisor will have his or her own set of stressors that they’re contending with as well.